I was at a local big chain pet store talking to an employee about my two boys, when he mentioned his chins. He kept a male and female together, but did not baby proof the cage. The babies got out and his dog got them. From what he was saying this may have happened more than once. The female has not had anymore babies apparently. And his chins were in a plastic cage. I mentioned plastic was toxic, but he seemed to blow it off. I went home and gave my boys an extra hug. And this is the type of employee they have helping customers? I was horrified at what his chinchillas are going through. When I first got my boys I followed the pet stores advice and did everything wrong. My boys had a cage half the size they needed, it was plastic! They had a plastic wheel as well. And I can't forget the yogurt drops. My boys had new supplies within two weeks of me finding this forum. Bigger cage with wooden shelves, Silver Surfer wheel, and natural treats and twigs. I just cringe when people don't take the time to learn first. I didn't learn well enough until after I had my boys. But everything improved after that. I sometimes tell people the right advice at the store, I don't think the employees like that 
